Foot Specialists of Austin, Cedar Park, and Georgetown

Podiatrists located in Northwest Austin, Georgetown, TX

PRP Injections Specialist

Dr. Wayne Hurst is a podiatrist serving the Austin, Texas area out of Foot Specialists of Austin, Cedar Park, and Georgetown. As a board-certified and well-respected persona, Dr. Hurst provides more than just PRP injections. He provides answers and comfort to his patients to ease their mind. He obtained his podiatric medical degree from the Dr. W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1991.

PRP Injections Q & A

What Is a PRP Injection?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. The plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. It consists of platelets, which are the part of the blood responsible for clotting. These platelets contain proteins used to heal injuries. Generally, a PRP injection has five to 10 times the usual amount of platelets.

Where Are the Platelets Taken From?

The platelets come from the patient. They're separated from the white and red blood cells in the sample. This process is referred to as centrifugation. The remaining platelets must undergo a process to increase the amount.

How Does PRP Injections Work?

It's not 100 percent known as to how these injections work. The studies indicate an increase in the concentration of the growth factors within the PRP may amp up the healing process to ultimately lead to better and quicker healing. The injection is given directly into the site of the injured area. A prime example is if a person had tendonitis. The person would be given an injection directly into the affected area. The inflammation will start to subside after a few weeks. Patients should be advised discomfort may occur directly after the injection is given. The injection may be beneficial to those undergoing surgery since some research indicates the healing process after surgery improves with a PRP injection being given before the surgery.

What Conditions Do PRP Injections Treat?

This particular treatment improves the condition of people who have tendonitis or another issue affecting the tendons. Those with ligament or muscles issues may benefit as well.

What Are the Risks of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?

The risks are very minimal since the procedure utilizes the patient's own blood. However, the patient may experience pain at the injection site. Infection, nerve injuries, and tissue damage are all possible, but there doesn't seem to be a difference between the likelihood of side effects with cortisone injections and PRP injections.

Insurance Providers

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